Environmental conservation encompasses the rural, coastal and urban conservation of landscapes, species and habitats. It also includes:
Other aspects of the industry include landscape management skills, both technical and practical, together with the maintenance and conservation of rivers, coasts and waterways.
The industry also works to promote awareness and understanding of the environment and its enjoyment.
There are many large, national organisations involved with environmental conservation such as the RSPB, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, Groundwork UK, the Environment Agency and Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Countryside Council for Wales.
On the horizon
Environmental conservation skills are now required by many who work in other land-based industries, including agricultural crops and livestock, fisheries management and trees and timber. More environmentalists will be required to give advice and guidance to farmers and land managers.
As a result of the increased activity and interest in environmental conservation there will be a need for more volunteers within the sector and also staff to manage and train them. Volunteers make an enormous contribution to business performance in the environmental conservation industries, and also to wider social inclusion, community cohesion and ‘quality of life’ targets and aspirations
Increasing commitment from local government towards environmental issues including, for example, the management of waste and the development of environmental policies, will require a greater number of environmentalists with practical knowledge
Demographic trends will require employers to move from the traditional recruitment pool of graduates. They will probably have to look to alternative groups such as career changers, lifestyle changers and immigrant labour
Increasingly, employers are requiring candidates with a more practical knowledge base which may create an increased interest in HNDs and vocational qualifications rather than the traditional degree courses.
Digging deeper
Our research helps us to ensure education and training is relevant to your industry. We study the skills and labour requirements of the environmental conservation industries, and ensure these needs are met through your training.
For more detailed information, read the Environmental Conservation Sector Skills Agreement.
